Yet Another Solar Panel Question

Dougal

Dougal

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Wiltshire / Brittany (50/50)
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After less than 2 years of use, my last solar panel has completely died, giving out zero volts at either open circuit or connected.
I know this comes up frequently, but the market also changes just as frequently.
We simply don't have space to mount rigid panels, so I need another 80-120w flexible or semi flexible panel.
Am I going to have to pay several hundred pounds for something that might last a bit longer?
Recommendations welcome.
 
I think the trouble with many of the panels is that whilst the panel is good, the wiring is cheap domestic copper wire. I have had several panels over the years on different boats and up until my current 100w panel, they have all died at some stage and I have found that in all the cases the wiring has gone black right up to the panel itself. On the better quality panels I was able to replace the cable with tinned. Maybe try paring back the cable to as near as you can to the panel and test for voltage again at this point. Also the flexible panels seem to be covered with a self adhesive plastic cover which eventually starts to pull up at the edges and allows the moisture in. On my Centaur I mounted it on the stern (see picture). I installed it so that it was easy to remove but I actually never needed to in the end as it did not get in the way. I think non flexible panels are cheaper, last longer and offer a greater output. On my current boat (Southerly 105) I have installed a 100w unit mounted on the (split) backstays and using a MPPT regulator, the output has been impressive.Katy-Panel.jpg
 
I've said it many times, solar is a long term investment, don't buy cheap crap. The two semi-flexible panels on my hatch garage were fitted in 1988 and still work fine.

The link in post #4 points to an excellent panel :encouragement:
 
Dougal said:
After less than 2 years of use, my last solar panel has completely died, giving out zero volts at either open circuit or connected.
I know this comes up frequently, but the market also changes just as frequently.
We simply don't have space to mount rigid panels, so I need another 80-120w flexible or semi flexible panel.
Am I going to have to pay several hundred pounds for something that might last a bit longer?
Recommendations welcome.
Click to expand...

So what make failed? We have photonic universe panels but too soon to say lifespan (3years so far)
 
ghostlymoron said:
I've also used Lensum brand and found them satisfactory but have not kept the boats long enough to comment on longevity.
Click to expand...

We have one of the new Lensun GRP back panels and now after two seasons the edges are going white were moisture is getting in. It hasn't reached the cells yet so still generates full power, but its just a matter of time. This GRP backed panel was more expensive with ETFE layers rather than the cheaper PET but it hasn't made a difference. When it fails I will replace it with a rigid panel.
 
Pretty sure the failed panel is a Lenson. It's a strange looking thing with matt black panels and black GRP back. I believe it came with a 2yr warranty, but as I was ill for a couple of years, it sat in its box for those years and warranty expired before even fitting it:( The wiring is imo very good. It simply stopped working.
 
Dougal said:
After less than 2 years of use, my last solar panel has completely died, giving out zero volts at either open circuit or connected.
I know this comes up frequently, but the market also changes just as frequently.
We simply don't have space to mount rigid panels, so I need another 80-120w flexible or semi flexible panel.
Am I going to have to pay several hundred pounds for something that might last a bit longer?
Recommendations welcome.
Click to expand...

How was it mounted? By FAR the most common reason for premature failure is mounting in such a way that it flexes. For example, over a bimini frame is very bad. They use a same cells as rigid panels and will suffer from microcracks if flexed to sharply or repeatedly (even a tiny bit).

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/10/super-simple-solar.html

They are best mounted to something rigid. Alternatively, you can reinforce them with a thin underlayer of something light and stiff.
 
Last edited:
thinwater said:
How was it mounted? By FAR the most common reason for premature failure is mounting in such a way that it flexes. For example, over a bimini frame is very bad. They use a same cells as rigid panels and will suffer from microcracks if flexed to sharply or repeatedly (even a tiny bit).

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/10/super-simple-solar.html

They are best mounted to something rigid. Alternatively, you can reinforce them with a thin underlayer of something light and stiff.
Click to expand...

No, it was mounted directly to the wheelhouse roof. No protutions of any kind, and simply with a small amount of flexible adhesive on each corner.
 
Dougal said:
No, it was mounted directly to the wheelhouse roof. No protutions of any kind, and simply with a small amount of flexible adhesive on each corner.
Click to expand...

Had to ask. Could just be bad luck. I have a cheap semi-flexible panel (Ecoworthy) and it is on year 4. I also have older (8 years) rigid panels from defunct supplier (UL Solar). The boat came with a failed Ganz panel that have been flexed too much. Is there any visible sign of degradation?

I suppose I could walk on it, but it feels like a bad idea.
 
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I've also just fitted a Photonic Universe 50w semiflexible panel, the latest back contact type and controller for two batteries. Only fitted temporarily on the deck in front of the sprayhood and seems to work ok but not had it long enough to really comment. Not the cheapest but seems to be good value and slightly smaller than other semiflexible panels. Over winter I'll wire it in permanently and will probably fit another30w panel making 80w in total.
 
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